TWO councillors are offering a #2,000 reward to help catch the thieves who forced their way into the home of a 92-year-old woman, and stole her purse.

TWO councillors are offering a #2,000 reward to help catch the thieves who forced their way into the home of a 92-year-old woman, and stole her purse.

Details of what police described as 'a despicable crime', which left the partially deaf pensioner shocked and distressed, were exclusively revealed in the Pioneer last week.

And the story so incensed Councillors Dave Garroch and Tommy Griffiths who both know the victim well that, through their respective Ellesmere Port businesses, they have each put up #1,000 for information leading to the capture and conviction of those responsible.

The burglary happened at about 6.30pm on Wednesday May 16 when the old lady, who police have not named, opened the door to her Langley Court flat to be confronted by a man who pushed his way inside.

He walked through into the lounge where he kept her talking while a second man searched her bedroom.

When they had gone the pensioner found a red purse containing a relatively large sum of money was missing from her wardrobe.

Cllr Dave Garroch, who runs the Bargain Booze chain, said: 'The old lady is a constituent in the Stanlow and Wolverham ward which Tommy and I both represent.

'We know her well and she is a lovely old dear. When we heard what had happened to her we were very angry and upset and decided to offer the reward. Tommy's #1,000 is coming from the firm with which he is associated, WT Glazing.'

He added: 'We just want to see whoever did this brought to justice as quickly as possible.'

'You just wonder what sort of person could do this to such a vulnerable old lady.'

The first offender police are seeking in connection with the incident is white and aged about 40, of slim build, unshaven and of generally scruffy appearance.

The victim believes the second man was so similar that he could be the brother of his accomplice.